The Best Affordable & Romantic 3-Day Cincinnati Itinerary
The birthplace of Steven Speilberg, spicy cinnamon style chili, and America’s oldest baseball team – this historic city was founded in 1788. Dubbed ‘Queen City’, Cincinnati makes a perfect romantic weekend getaway. Our itinerary will guide you through a full 72 hours of fun, relaxation, and memory-making events around town! Think of walking through the second oldest zoo in the United States, seeing the first professional American baseball team, and grabbing snacks at a foodie’s dream market? We’ll have you feeling like a local in no time!
WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN OUR WEEKEND GETAWAYS: good food, art or scenery, a little space to stretch our legs, and ample opportunity for relaxation. Since it’s hard to accomplish those things in 2 days with driving, three-day trips are our favorite. (Especially if we’re planning more spontaneously!) When we plan our weekend escapes from Louisville, we typically make it a three-day weekend by taking off a Friday or a Monday. This is your full breakdown of how to spend an affordable & romantic weekend in Cincinnati!
DID YOU KNOW?
Cincinnati isn’t this Ohio city’s original name. When it was founded in 1788, its original name was Losantville. This Nordic/German name roughly translates to ‘The town opposite the mouth of the Licking’. The city sits at the intersection of two rivers – the major Ohio River and the minor Licking River.
In This Post
How To Get To Cincinnatti
When we’re planning quick weekend getaways, we typically try to stay within six hours of our home city. (If you’re looking for quick day trips from Louisville, see our post here for 12 awesome destinations!) The great thing about Cincinnati is that it’s centrally located in Ohio. You can be there within 6 hours from a ton of major cities including Chicago, Louisville, St.Louis, and Pittsburgh!
- Louisville to Cincinnati: To get to Cincinnati from Louisville, you’ll take I-71 North for about 100 miles. Then head across the Ohio River while on I-71 North. It’s a straight shot and you’ll be there in less than two hours when traffic is good.
- Chicago to Cincinnati: With a short five-hour drive along four major interstates, you’ll be down to Cincinnati in no time! (Find our guide to all of the best road trip stops along I-65 to make your adventure even better!)
- Pittsburgh to Cincinnati: This four-and-a-half-hour journey will be split into two long stretches along I-70 and 1-71. About halfway, you can stop in Columbus for awesome food!
- St. Louis to Cincinnati: Head east on I-70 for about 130 miles and then take I-74 East for another 100 miles. From there, you’ll start to see signs for Cincinnati and you can be there within five and a half hours.
If you’re looking for a little background noise to your drive, listen to one of our favorite travel podcasts or find our latest playlists here!
Day 1: Getting into Cincinnati & Catching A Reds Game
Whether you’re coming from Pittsburg, Louisville, Chicago, or St.Louis – don’t miss out on your first day in Cinci. Grab a hotdog at Senate for lunch, then head to the riverfront for a few hours of exploring. See the old-timey steam riverboats, walk along the Roebling Bridge, and visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. {All of which will take you about 2-2.5 hours.} After you’ve explored a little, don’t miss kicking off your weekend with a Cincinnati Reds game! (Most games start around 7 PM giving you plenty of time to see a little of the city beforehand.
- Gourmet Hotdogs at Senate: Six different kinds of gourmet hotdogs.. need we say more?? From the delectable ‘Mexico City’ hotdog, with applewood bacon, guacamole, chipotle crema, and creamy queso – to the ‘Carol Baskin’ hotdog characterized by a ‘tons of drama’ flavor profile – they’re pretty much a must-eat in Queen City! Not to mention the duck fat fries, and lobster mac and cheese?! It’s a Cincy first-timers staple in the trendy Over the Rhine district.
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – An incredible state-of-the-art museum located on the banks of the Ohio River. Home to works of art and stories from some of our nation’s greatest heroes during the Underground Railroad era. With virtual reality tours and hands-on demonstrations – it’s a perfect way to escape the sun for a bit!
- Roebling Bridge – Definitely, a great spot to stop and catch a little afternoon sun! This bridge is the precursor to the Brooklyn Bridge. At the time of its completion in 1866 – it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Brooklyn Bridge in New York was modeled after Roebling’s stately design and completed in 1883.
Catching a Red’s Game
A LITTLE HISTORY: After becoming America’s first professional baseball team in 1869, this team was actually originally named the Cincinnati Red Stockings! The Red Stockings were then kicked out of the National League for selling beer and wanting to play on Sundays. Sports and beer on a Sunday… crazy right? After making a comeback, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the Cincinnatti Reds in 1881 and they’ve been ‘the Reds’ ever since!
Once you’ve cheered your heart out and sufficiently indulged in ice-cold beer, it’s time to explore! Head out on the town to sample a few of the best local breweries!! Local staples like Madtree Brewing and the Braxton Brewing Company perfectly accompany a casual night after a ballgame.
P.S. I, Shelbs, know very little about baseball and I still have fun cheering for the wrong things at all times! Baseball games are fun for the atmosphere even if you don’t love the team!
If You’re Not Into Sports
Even if you aren’t looking to go to a baseball game – head downtown. You can still kick off your weekend with gourmet duck-fat-fries and hotdogs at Senate! After enjoying a mouth-watering treat, head to the riverfront to explore a few more riverfront gems. There are a few more spots along the river you need to see, along with all of the other pre-game activities!
Along with the aforementioned Roebling Bridge, watching the Cincinnati riverboats, and the National Underground Freedom Center – enjoy the Skystar Ferris Wheel and the vintage waterfront carousel! (Not only are they romantic, but they’re also Instagram-friendly!!)
- Skystar Ferris Wheel – Soaring 150 feet above the Ohio River, these roomy 6-person gondolas are perfect for catching a glimpse of glittering sunset at golden hour! Tickets are $18 apiece making this an affordable and romantic stop on your evening adventures!
- Carol Anne’s Carousel – even if you’re too old to ride the carousel, take a walk past this stunning pavilion that houses the 44-seat carousel. The pavilion was completed in 2015, to protect the carousel and allow visitors to enjoy it all year long! With original artwork by Jonathan Queen and the light shows along with the water features out front, it’s truly a picturesque Cincinnati landmark.
Address: 8 East Mehring Way - BB Riverboats – Once you’ve taken in the beauty of the Roebling Bridge, turn your attention to these vintage steamboats slowly paddling down the river in their Victorian Era glory. Available for dinner cruises and scenic cruises along the cities riverfront!
FOODIE TIP: Looking for a late-night delicious pizza? Try Larosa’s Pizzeria! Open until midnight, they’ve been serving Cincy since 1954. Larosa’s is the perfect ‘after a few adult beverages’ by-the-slice kind of deliciousness!
Day 2: Museums, Markets & Date Night Downtown Cincinnati
You’ll want to be up early to get the best of the best donuts from the famous Holtman’s Donuts!! Holtman’s is a part of the 16 bakeries on the Bulter County Donut Trail. They’ve been in business since 1960 and now have five locations around Cincinnati. This family-owned operation is committed to creating an authentic donut experience! Their donuts are still made by hand along with fresh-from-scratch batches of icing every day. Donuts are the best way to start your vacation adventures!
- Coffee Shops: Coffee and donuts go together like peas and carrots. Luckily for you – there are three great coffee shops within a few blocks of Holtman’s downtown! Coffee Emporium, Deeper Roots Coffee, and Locoba by Platform are all great and locally owned!
After you’ve grabbed your morning fixes – walk off that sugar buzz by exploring a few of Cincinnati’s best museums. There are many incredible museums in Cincinnati, but you can’t do them all on a weekend trip. You’ll want to try to stick to one or two! Our picks would be in the iconic Cincinnati Museum Center.
The Cincinnati Museum Center
Housed in the historic Union Terminal, this grouping of museums is a one of a kind experience. Union Terminal is one of the most well-preserved examples of 1930’s Art Deco architecture in the US. We highly recommend taking a romantic stroll under the jaw-dropping 180-foot domed glass rotunda while considering the romantic history of World War II soldiers returning home from war.
We can just imagine the fairy-tale reunions of these soldiers returning home to their wives and families back when Union terminal was actually a train station. Definitely a romantic stop to add to your weekend itinerary in Cincinnati!
When you’re heading to the museums – there are two perfect for an adult weekend getaway:
– Cincinnati History Museum: Known for the largest S-scale train model in the country and a lifesize steamboat replica of Cincinnati’s early industrialization period!
– Museum of Natural History & Science: After you’re finished at the Cincinnati History Museum, walk through the Natural History & Science museum for a totally different take on Cincinnati’s history. This museum started in 1818 and currently houses 6 fully assembled dinosaur skeletons – including one of a massive Torvosaurus!!!
Day 2 Afternoon
Lunch at Findley Market – One of the most iconic places in Cinci is the Fendley Market. Located in the trendy ‘Over The Rhine’ district, Findley Market is a foodie haven. With gourmet sandwich shops, specialty spices, it’s an amazing sensory experience. Perfect for strolling through and working up an appetite after you’ve been amazed by the dinosaurs!
- WHERE TO GO: Walk the alley between West Elder Street and Sellew Alley to experience Cincinnati’s culinary soul. Vibrant red bistro tables line the alley while patrons sample gourmet meats and cheeses from street vendors!
After exploring Findley Market, continue exploring the booming Over The Rhine neighborhood. (You can walk this entire neighborhood in an hour or two. Maybe you’ll even find the Mona Lisa Mural at the beginning of this post!)
Over The Rhine
‘OTR’, as it’s known by the locals, is a gorgeously revitalized neighborhood in the heart of Cincinnati. Beyond the trendy shops and eateries, Oer The Rhine has a special draw. What makes it so notable is the largest USA collection of preserved 19th century German and Italianate architectural buildings. Over The Rhine is stunning to stroll through on a romantic weekend getaway. You’ll see German throwback microbreweries, the famous Findlay Market, and gourmet eateries all within walking distance. A few key stops:
- Washington Park: Smack dab in the middle and a perfect place to take a walking break.
- Washington Music Hall: Overlooking Washington Park, this music hall is home to the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Opera. Basically just an amazing backdrop for a casual afternoon picnic! The Music Hall also has outdoor walking tours if you’re interested!
- 16 Bit Bar & Arcade: Over 50 classic games light up the interior of this unique bar in the heart of OTR.
- Taft’s Ale House: Inside a renovated 19th-century church, this bar has a 2nd story indoor balcony along with ice-cold beer to make it a perfect place for stopping on your OTR walking tour.
- Rhinegeist Brewery: take in the sun starting to set over the city on the picturesque rooftop bar.
Date Night in Cincinnati
Once you’re done exploring the market and Over The Rhine – head back to your hotel and get ready for a relaxing date night! Enjoy a nice dinner, catch late-night live music at Fountain Square, and enjoy a few upscale lounges to complete your evening!
Dinner Recommendations
- Seasons 52 – fresh seasonal dishes are what they’re mainly known for – but what we know them for is their desserts! They have a vast array of ‘shot glass style desserts’ that you can sample a flight of 6 individual flavors! (Ev’s favorite is the pecan pie!)
- SOTTO Italian – A rustic and yet refined Italian cuisine experience! After you’re done exploring the city for the day – this would be our pick for a relaxing romantic evening. Have a glass of wine, enjoy the most succulent plate of penne con salsiccia (a lamb sausage pasta) as you’re serenaded by Dean Martin crooning through the air. TIP: Make reservations! they can be booked up to three weeks in advance!
Upscale Cocktail Bars
Beyond your typical brewery or pub, Cincinnati has a few extra date-night-worthy spots. These are the kinds of places where cocktail dresses and slacks are required while enjoying a craft cocktail!!
- Prohibition Bourbon Bar: Pretty much anything with the name Prohibition should let you know that it’s an upscale throwback to the 20s. The glitz and glamour of the 20s come to life in this cozy spot off of Washington Avenue. (Not to mention they have the largest collection of bourbon and rye whiskeys in the world!!)
- Sundry and Vice: The kind of place you want to be dressed up in that makes you feel like you’re more glamorous than your day job. Slide into one of the cool green leather booths while the bartenders, in their crisp black bowties, create your dream cocktail from their craft liquor selection. It’s not New York, but you’ll feel pretty close after having a few sips from your crystal-glass curated drink.
Day 3: Brunch, Breweries and Baby Goats
As always on the last day of our trips, we try to make sure we’re well-rested and then head to brunch somewhere delicious. In Cincinnati, our pick would be the boozy Belgian brunch available all day at Taste of Belgium. Indulging in crepes, fresh banana Nutella waffles, along with just about any Belgian beer you could want? It’s a fun take on your typical brunch experience! There are 6 locations around Cincinnati including the famous Findlay Market – but they’re always packed!!
– Sleepy Bee Cafe: Another great brunch place, but this time, one you should feel good about indulging in! The owners of Sleepy Bee cafe are committed to not only sourcing their menu from local farms – but also in supporting the planet’s agricultural future. The simplest way to do that? Invest in the bees! It doesn’t hurt that their rotating seasonal menu includes delectable meals like the delicious Blue Ash Smash breakfast sandwich. Scrambled eggs topped with candied bacon, their signature nectar sauce, and chimichurri? Wipe the drool from your chin and head in to grab a bite!
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
After you’ve sufficiently stuffed yourself at brunch – head to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! Normally we don’t suggest zoos because they’re kind of all the same and better when you have the infectious excitement from kids in your group. However, this is the 2nd oldest zoo in the US!
Opening in 1875, this zoo has expanded into a massive garden with tulip blooms in the spring and a pollinator garden to support the bees. They’re open at 10 AM making it a perfect after brunch walk through this Cincinnati landmark.
- RANDOM HISTORY OF THE CINCINNATI ZOO: in 1896, 89 Sioux people set up a village in the center of the zoo as a live human exhibit. People came from all over the country to see this village for three months before it was officially canceled. This would never be acceptable today of course, but it’s an interesting tidbit to know!
On the last leg of our weekend getaways to Cincinatti, we always try to stop in to REI and IKEA. We know.. they just scream romance right..? But seriously, sometimes there is nothing like capping off a trip with a nice pair of hiking boots or a visit to the container store! We don’t have them in Louisville so it’s officially a treat for us to get to go!
REI Address: 2643 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
IKEA Address: 9500 Ikea Way, West Chester Township, OH 45069
(We know you’ll wanna go too. CONTAINER STORES ARE ROMANTIC ‘K??)
Before Leaving Town
After grabbing all of your hiking and home necessities, head to Aladdin’s Eatery for lunch. You have to try the Farmer’s Pita drizzled in garlic sauce and hot sauce. In the words of Ev ‘ their homemade hot sauce is out of control!’ Mediterranean food is our favorite cuisine, so we’re really picky on recommendations. This place is a must!!
- Honey Sweetie Acres Goat Farm – We highly recommend stopping at this adorable goat farm if you’re leaving town headed East. Not only can you find hand-crafted goat milk soaps and lotions, but you can also participate in ‘Bonding with Babies’ classes? You basically get to snuggle a baby goat, bottle feed them, and play with them? It’s pretty epic and will 10000% make you want to have your own mini goat farm.
Prettiest Hotels In Cincinnati
Before you leave for you’re trip, you’ll want to book your hotel. We do it on the fly every now and then but for weekend getaways, it’s best just to not stress before hitting the road. If you’ve got tickets to see a Cincinnati reds game – The Best Western Premier Mariemont Inn is close to the stadium. For sweeping panoramic city views, try 21C Museum Hotel Cincinnati!
To easily find budget accomodations for your three day escape – use the Booking.com widget below.
Booking.comThe Best Time To Visit Cincinnati
Being North of the Ohio Valley, but still close enough to the mountains in the eastern US gives Cincinnati true seasons. Cold winters and sticky hot summers, but really pretty spring and fall seasons. The best time to visit Cincinnati will allow you to take full advantage of getting to walk the city, experience sunsets on rooftop bars, and enjoy the parks! We recommend heading into town April through May and September through October.
If you’re looking for a winter destination – Cincinnati would also be great for brewery hopping, seeing an indoor concert at the Washington Music Hall, or strolling through the museums!
A FEW RELATED POSTS:
– A Machine Gun Kelly Themed Cleveland Ohio Roadtrip
– Full Romantic Guide to Exploring Cleveland, Ohio
Save this post to Pinterest!
Make sure to snag all of your road trip basics (below), get your travel insurance, and have fun jamming to a new playlist!
Until next time friends,
SHOP
